Samson G-Track Pro USB Microphone
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Samson G-Track Pro USB Microphone with Audio Interface. The G-Track Pro features dual 1” ultra-thin capsules with selectable polar patterns, an onboard 24-bit 96kHz Analog-to-Digital converter, and a USB output. Plus, the G-Track Pro features a built-in audio interface with headphone output allowing you to connect your electric guitar or bass, keyboards, drum machines, and just about any other signal source.
The onboard mixer allows you to set clean signals for recording by providing Instrument and Mic input level controls. In addition, the G-Track Pro employs a clever monitoring system allowing you to choose a variety of playback options for headphones or monitors with zero latency monitoring of the input signals. Whether you’re recording your latest song idea, or podcast, or streaming on your gaming channel, the G-Track Pro is the simplest and most comprehensive solution for high-quality recording on a Mac or PC. Just plug it in and start creating!
If you have any questions or comments regarding the G-Track Pro or any other products from Samson, do not hesitate to contact us at
support@samsontech.com.
With proper care and maintenance, your G-Track Pro will operate trouble-free for many years. Should your G-Track Pro ever require servicing, a Return Authorization (RA) number must be obtained before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please visit www.samsontech.com/ra for an RA number prior to shipping your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and, if possible, return the unit in its original carton. If your G-Track Pro was purchased outside of
the United States, contact your local distributor for warranty details and service information.
G-Track Pro Callouts
- Capsule – Dual, 1-inch (25mm) diaphragms
- Pattern Switch – Select from one of the three pick-up patterns: Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Figure-8
- Recording Select Switch – The slide switch allows you to select the different recording modes:
- Mono: Microphone input and instrument input are mixed together and sent to the computer as a mono signal.
- 2-Track: Microphone input and instrument input are sent to the computer on separate tracks.
- Status Indicator – The three-color Power/Clip/Mute LED lights are green to indicate power, flashes red when the input signal is clipping, and lights amber when the microphone is muted.
- Mute Button – Mutes the output of the microphone to the computer and headphone output. The Status Indicator will illuminate amber when the microphone is muted.
- MIC – Control to adjust the sensitivity of the internal microphone.
- INSTRUMENT – Control to adjust the input level of the instrument input.
- VOLUME – Control to adjust the overall volume of the 1/8” Headphone output.
- USB Jack – B size USB connector for interfacing with your PC or Mac computer.
- DIRECT MONITOR On/Off Switch – This switch turns the direct monitor on and off. This switch does not affect the audio from the computer.
- Headphone Output – 3.5mm stereo jack for connecting headphones or studio monitors.
The headphone output provides a mix of the direct signal (if enabled) from the microphone and the audio playback from the computer. - IN Jack – 1/4” mono instrument input for connecting instruments in like electric guitar and bass guitar, or line level signal like those from keyboards, drum machines and mixers.
Quick Start
Follow this simple quick start for a typical set-up to start recording.
Using the G-Track Pro with a computer
- Position the G-Track Pro on your desktop by using the included microphone base.
- Set the G-Track Pro’s pattern switch. If you are recording a single person, set the switch to the Cardioid position and be sure to face the front side, with the Samson logo. If recording two people, set the microphone to the Figure-8 position and if recording multiple subjects, set the switch to the Omni position.
- Connect headphones to the Headphone output located on the rear of the microphone.
- Plug the USB cable into the G-Track Pro and plug the other end of the cable into an available USB port on your computer.
- Set the G-Track Pro as the input and output audio device by following the steps in the section “Connecting to a Computer”.
- Launch your recording software.
- Turn down the output VOLUME control on the G-Track Pro and if not already set, select the G-Track Pro as the input and outputs in the software.
- Create two mono audio tracks. Set one track to G-Track Pro Left Input for the microphone input and the other track to G-Track Pro Right Input for the instrument input. Note: Input names may vary depending on the software.
- Arm the tracks for recording.
- Set the input levels of the microphone by following the steps in the section “Setting Levels”.
- Set the direct monitor setting by following the steps in the section “Direct Monitor”.
- While singing/speaking or playing your instrument into the G-Track Pro, raise the VOLUME control until the audio output is at a comfortable listening level.
- Press the record button and start creating.
Connecting to a Computer
Using the G-Track Pro with Windows Computers
- Connect the G-Track Pro to the computer using the included USB cable.
- From the Start Menu, open the Control Panel and select Sound.
- Click the Recording tab and select the Samson G-Track Pro as the audio input device.
- Set the Output sample rate by clicking the Properties button and selecting the Advanced tab.
- Set the G-Track Pro as the output device by clicking the Playback tab and selecting the Samson G-Track Pro.
- Set the Input sample rate by clicking the Properties button and selecting the Advanced tab. Note: The Input and Output sample rates must be set to the same setting. To avoid any sample rate conversion issues, make sure that the sample rate in your software is set to the same settings.
Using the G-Track Pro with Apple OSX
- Connect the G-Track Pro to the computer using the included USB cable.
- Open System Preferences from the dock or the main Apple Menu.
- Select the Sound preference icon, choose the Input tab, and select Samson G-Track Pro.
- Set the G-Track Pro as the output device by clicking the Output tab and selecting Samson G-Track Pro.
- To set the sample rate, from the Applications folder, open the utility folder and open Audio MIDI Setup.
- From the Window menu, select Show Audio Window.
- Select the Samson G-Track Pro
- From the Format dropdown menu, select the desired sample rate and bit depth.
Setting Levels
You can adjust the G-Track Pro’s internal analog input gain stage by using the G-Track Pro’s INSTRUMENT and MIC level control knobs. The G-Track Pro preamp includes a clip indicator to show when the input signal is overdriving or clipping the input.
To set a good level on the mic:
- Set the G-Track Pro up in front of the desired sound source and slowly raise the MIC volume control until you see the CLIP indicator light red.
- Then, turn the MIC volume control down until the indicator no longer lights red.
- Repeat the same process for the instrument. Play your instrument or line level device at a performance level, and slowly turn up the INSTRUMENT volume control until the CLIP indicator lights red.
- Then, turn the INSTRUMENT volume control down until the CLIP indicator no longer lights red.
- Once you set the INSTRUMENT and MIC input level control you shouldn’t need to change them during recording.
- Use the level controls in the computer software to set the balance between the instrument mic and stereo mix from the software.
About Polar Patterns
An important characteristic of any microphone is its directionality or polar pattern. The G-Track Pro feature dual 1” capsules, allowing for a choice of three individual polar patterns: omnidirectional, unidirectional (cardioid), and bidirectional (figure-8).
Omnidirectional
The omnidirectional setting reproduces sound from all directions, (including off-axis), with an even frequency response, which makes it resistant to the phenomenon known as proximity effect. It captures a greater amount of ambient sound than the other settings, and thus will include more of the room sound than when using a directional setting.
Unidirectional (Cardioid)
The cardioid pickup pattern is the most widely used for studio and live miking applications. The separation also allows for more control and more gain before feedback in live sound reinforcement situations. To select the cardioid pickup pattern, set the pattern selection switch to the center position.
Bidirectional ( FIGURE-8)
This setting captures sound directly in front and back of the microphone while rejecting sound on the left and right sides, and has minimal off-axis frequency response deterioration.
It is very useful in a variety of stereo microphone techniques. The figure-8 pattern can be used to simultaneously capture two instruments or vocalists by positioning the microphone directly between them, so one is addressing the front of the microphone and the other the rear. To select the figure-8 pickup pattern, set the pattern selection switch to the left position.
Direct Monitor
MONITOR ON/OFF Switch
When listening back to your recording during a mixing session, or if you want
If you plan to use direct monitoring on the G-Track Pro, disable software monitoring for the armed (input) tracks.
Specifications
- Element Type Dual back electret condenser
- Diaphragm Width/Thickness 25mm/3 microns
- Polar Pattern Cardioid (unidirectional), bidirectional (figure-8), omnidirectional
- Frequency Response 50Hz–20kHz
- Max Sensitivity +6dB FS/PA (all polar patterns)
- Max. SPL 120dB SPL
- Bit Depth/Sample Rate 16 or 24-bit/ Up to 96kHz
- Digital Output USB
- Headphone Output/Impedance 1/8” (3.5mm)/ 16Ω
- Headphone Power Output 85mW @ 32Ω
- Instrument Input/Impedance 1/4”/ 1MΩ
- Controls Mute, Mic/Instrument/Headphone Volumes, Monitor On/Off, Mono/2 Track Recording Modes
- LED 3-color Power/Clip/Mute
- Body Construction/Grille Die-cast zinc/heavy gauge mesh
- Accessories Integrated desktop base, USB cable
- Product Dimensions 4.5” x 10.5” diameter (116mm x 268.5mm diameter)
- Product Weight 3.52lb (1.6kg)
Important Safety Information
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation.
REFERENCE LINK
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/gtrackpro/
